25 Ways to Ace This Season's Corset Trend

The corset has a storied history—one that has long fascinated fashion enthusiasts and academics alike. Widely popularized in the 16th century, the corset has since experienced various redesigns and reinventions. (Nowadays, the Insta-famous version is a waist trainer—but we’re not here to discuss that hullabaloo.) In the fashion world, waist cinchers have evolved into more of a layering piece, seen on designer runways from Prada and Alexander McQueen to Tibi and Jonathan Simkhai. And right now, you can find great examples of the look at contemporary labels and mass retailers alike. (Yup, Forever21 has loads on offer.)

The modern take on the centuries-old trend is (thankfully) not nearly as antiquated nor painful as its historic predecessors. Soft, lace-up styles—like Prada’s Fall 2016 version—are malleable and designed to be worn atop blouses, dresses, or jackets to create more shape at the waistline, sans discomfort; for the sartorial risk taker, a full-on lace-up style is the ticket. In 2018, they're pretty much another layer you wear with your jeans—not necessarily as a "statement" piece, but like a cardigan or sweater you just throw onto your outfit. As an easy introduction to the look, try a slim version, which will feel more like a belt than a waist trainer. Then, upgrade to a bustier: done in jacquard fabrics, gingham prints, and beyond, it's a fail-safe formula to layer over a basic tee-shirt-and-jeans outfit.

With corsets, it's all about balance—finding the perfect base layer to wear underneath that doesn't create excess bulkiness and deciding how much cinch feels right for you. Try to create a juxtaposition between a structured belt and a loose top. If that still sounds overwhelming, the good news is that some brands now offer outfits with corsets or a bustier already built-in. Huzzah!

Ready to test the waters of the corset trend? Here are an assortment of styles to get you going—from under-$20 options to designer takes. Let the 25 styles ahead push you toward yes.